Key questions and answers about domiciliary care and how it could benefit your later life plans, or improve the life of a loved one.

Domiciliary care is an incredibly popular alternative to care home services as it allows the person needing care to remain in their own home. When you include domiciliary care in your long-term care plan you can take advantage of a wide range of services including: help with personal care, home maintenance, pet care, nutrition, exercise, mobility and much more. Services are built around your needs and are always focused on the long-term high quality of life that you deserve.

Currently in the UK there are close to a million people receiving domiciliary care. The numbers are increasing every year as the UK population ages and more and more people require a form of care that does not revolve around residential care homes. Residential care homes are struggling to cope with demand, and live in care is an affordable option that enables those needing care to remain in the place they love the most.

If you are considering live-in care services and don't know where to start, these handy Q&A's will help point you in the right direction or, alternatively, contact a live-in care provider:

Can I Get Specialist Care With Home Care Services?

Some agencies offer specialist care such as dementia care or stroke recovery care. When enquiring with a care agency you can ask if they provide the kinds of services you need.

How Much Does Home Care Cost?

Any type of care has an individual cost depending on many factors unique to the person receiving it. Home care can be cheaper than residential care for some people, especially couples who both require care at home. In some instances residential care can be the less costly option. To find out how much it could cost you, the first step is getting a care assessment to find out the type and amount of care you need. In the meantime, the UK Care Guide care calculator can provide a rough estimate of costs.

Does Home Care Have To Be Long-Term?

Home care can be long-term, but it can also be for periods of respite, for recovery from an illness, or as preparation for moving into residential care.

Does A Carer Require Their Own Living Quarters In My Home?

A carer will usually require a private room of their own that has heating, is clean, has adequate storage and is their own personal space for breaks and alone time. They also need access to a clean and working bathroom.

 

Will I Always Have The Same Carer?

You will have plenty of involvement in choosing the right carer, as most agencies work hard to ensure there is an initial 'connection' when placing their staff. It is likely you won't have the same carer all the time and is more likely you have two carers who swap every fortnight or so.

 

How Do I Know If Home Care Is Right For Me?

Only you can know if home care services are right for you in comparison with residential care. The best thing you can do, along with your family, is visit different residential homes and speak to home care agencies to gather all the information you need to make an informed choice. The more you know, the more informed your decision will be.

 

 

Published by Mohsin Ahsan